News
North Korea now making missile-ready nuclear weapons, U.S. analysts say –
North Korea has successfully produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead that can fit inside its missiles, crossing a key threshold on the path to becoming a full-fledged nuclear power, U.S. intelligence officials have concluded in a confidential assessment.
U.S. sending up to 100 more Marines to Afghanistan –
The U.S. is sending up to 100 additional Marines to Afghanistan to bulk up its advising force in Helmand province, the Pentagon confirmed Aug. 8.
New Okinawa minister says Japan-U.S. SOFA should be ‘re-examined’ –
The new minister in charge of issues related to Okinawa said June 8 that the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) should be “re-examined” in light of the fatal crash off Australia of an Okinawa-based U.S. Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, likely overstepping Tokyo’s official line on the politically sensitive pact.
Business
U.S.-Israel teams ramp up interceptor builds –
Two U.S.-Israeli industrial teams working on jointly funded missile defense programs are ramping up production of three distinct interceptors that collectively defend against an entire spectrum of threats, from short-range rockets to Iran’s most advanced, medium-range ballistic missiles.
Sukhois for palm oil: Russia and Indonesia announce new barter arrangement –
After three painstaking years of negotiation, Russia and Indonesia have finally agreed to sign a major aerospace deal later this year: 11 top-of-the-line Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets in exchange for Indonesian palm oil, coffee, and other goods.
Romania signs preliminary deal to acquire Bell combat helos –
Romanian Defense Minister Adrian Tutuianu has signed a letter of intent with Bell Helicopter to purchase new combat helos for the country’s armed forces.
U.S. Navy moving towards new Air and Missile Defense Radar for destroyers –
The U.S. Navy has completed the second in a series of ballistic missile defense flight tests for its next-generation AN/SPY-6(V) Air and Missile Defense Radar, U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command announced Aug. 3.
Industry eyeing opportunity to sell light attack planes, tech to SOCOM –
Over the skies of Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., three industry teams are either preparing for or already engaged in a flight demonstration of their light attack planes, hoping to entice the Air Force into buying hundreds of new aircraft.
ViaSat wins DISA extension –
ViaSat has been awarded an extension on a Defense Information Systems Agency contract for VIP communications.
Defense
First electronic warfare prototypes from Army’s Rapid Capabilities Office put to test –
Echoing through a remote part of one of the Army’s largest U.S. training sites in the desert of the American southwest is a Top 40 song coming from an infantryman’s cracked tablet glinting in the hot sun.
Super Hornet, Iranian drone nearly collide over carrier Nimitz –
An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the aircraft carrier Nimitz had to take evasive measures to avoid an Iranian drone that came within 100 feet of the aircraft in the central Persian Gulf, a U.S. defense official said Aug. 8.
Navy increasing orders lead times –
Navy personnel officials received approval for a $257 million plus-up from Congress that they say will allow the service to beginning cutting more orders — some as much as six months out.
Dozens of aircraft tackle real-life obstacles during Air Mobility Command’s biggest exercise –
Anyone tracking flight paths as the sun set Aug. 2 over Washington state would have seen a major aircraft movement: military cargo planes, refueling tankers and fighter jets flying in formation.
Veterans
Bill banning VA’s dog testing program draws an opponent: Disabled veterans –
Groups representing disabled veterans and medical researchers warned this week that legislation banning most medical experimentation on dogs at the Department of Veterans Affairs would deprive veterans of needed medical breakthroughs, and thus represents a dangerous policy change for America’s war heroes.